Citizen lobbyists unite
RALEIGH, N.C. — Equality North Carolina is all set to lobby the General Assembly on April 16 and all they need are LGBT and straight ally citizens to join the fight.
Take a break from regular activities in order to help make a difference. Training and support will be provided. Online registration is available.
Participants are encouraged to visit their legislators to let them know they have LGBT constituents and allies in their districts. Then take these experiences home and organize communities to take action.
info: equalitync.org/lobbyday.
‘Future’ discussion on tap
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Frank Bruni, of the New York Times, and Jonathan Capehart of the Washington Post and MSNBC, will head to the Tar Heel State on April 10, 5:30 p.m., to engage in a conversation on “The Future of LGBT Rights in America” at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Nelson Mandela Auditorium, Fed Ex Global Education Center.
Bruni serves as an op-ed columnist for the Times. Capehart sits on the Post’s editorial board and pens items on social issues and politics for the PostPartisan blog.
The event is hosted by the university’s LGBT Representation and Rights initiative. It is co-sponsored by the Curriculum in Global Studies, the Program in Sexuality Studies, the Provost’s Committee on LGBTQ Life and the Center for Global Initiatives.
info: Andrew Reynolds, 919-962-5443.
Festival approaching
RALEIGH, N.C. — In just over a month, the LGBT Center of Raleigh will hold its family-friendly Out! Raleigh on May 4 along Fayetteville St. from the State Capitol to City Plaza.
This day-long festival comes complete with stage performances, speakers and a KidsZone. It is free, come rain or shine.
Leadership for the event include Steven Butler and Carson Fernandez, who are on the executive committee, as well as Kelli Burris, who also serves on the committee in addition to handling vendor relations. They are joined by center executive director James Miller.
Vendor space will showcase business and non-profit organizations and businesses and restaurants in the area are encouraged to support and welcome attendees. At press time, 45 assorted vendors have signed up and will display their goods and services.
Sponsorships, supporters and volunteers are still being sought, along with vendors. Applications and information are available online.
info: outraleigh.org. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
‘1’ conference registration open
CARY, N.C. — The We Are 1 Conference will be held April 17-20 at the Embassy Suite Hotel, 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd.
The theme for the welcoming and affirming “no limits” conference is “Where Fear Is Not a Factor.” Sponsored by the Infinity Diamond Club, it began in 2009 as a way to spirit grown and life-changing for women and men who invest their time in the four-day event.
A full slate of programs, workshops and more will keep attendees busy from early morning until late evening. Some workshop topics include: Relationship Rejuvenation; The Art of Getting Unstuck; Journey to Acceptance: Speaking Our Truth, Honoring Our Worth; Awakening Your Spiritual Gifts; and The Vibration of Grace.
Evening programs consist of a meet and greet reception, PraiseFest, spoken word, dance, Butch Bois Chronicles, comedy show, music, film fest and a Harlem Renaissance formal dinner and dance.
Those who wish to showcase their businesses or organizations can register for vendor space by April 10 for two- or three-day options.
Visit the conference site for complete details on costs, hotel reservations and more.
info: weare1conference.com.